Scouting in Utah

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Utah has one of the longest running scouting legacies in the country. The first known Boy Scout Troop was the Episcopalian Troop One led by Reverend Rice, a missionary to Utah. This troop assembled in 1907 and continued their meetings and camp-outs up through 1910. The second known Boy Scout Troop got its start in Logan, Utah in 1910. On 21 May 1913, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 15-month-old "Mutual Improvement Association Scout" program was officially invited to join the Boy Scouts of America. This started the first widespread movement in Utah Scouting. By 1928, the LDS Church had designated Scouting as the official activity program for its young men.

The Ogden Council was in existence in 1919. In 1920, Scout Executive, G.A. Goates, led 85 boys and scoutmasters on a 14-day hike through Yellowstone National Park. According to the Department of the Interior, 3,800 feet of motion picture film was taken of the trip.

In 1919 the Great Salt Lake and Lake Bonneville Councils were formed. Later, in 1921 the Utah County Council was formed. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains a major sponsor of scouting in Utah, however churches of other faiths, and other non profit organizations are sponsors of Utah scouting programs. Most, if not all troops welcome those of all faiths to their program.

Up until the 1980s or 1990s, the Lake Bonneville Council and Cache Valley Council covered northern Utah. Those councils are now part of the Trapper Trails Council.

Great Southwest Council - Albuquerque NM - provides Scouting to youth in northern New Mexico, northeast Arizona, Utah south of the Colorado River, and the Durango and Mesa Verde areas of Colorado.

Snake River Council - headquarters Idaho Falls ID - Nevada, Idaho and Northwest corner of Utah. Home of the Ma-I-Shu Lodge of the Order of the Arrow. Since 1956 they have owned and operated Camp Bradley for their summer camp program which includes horseback riding, whitewater rafting and other outdoor adventures. That camp had a close scare in 2012 and 2013 when a pair of major wildfires burned too close.

Trapper Trails Council - One of the largest scouting councils in America with some 20 districts covering much of Northern Utah.

Utah National Parks Council - Also one of the largest BSA councils, with some 20 districts covering much of Southern Utah. Named for the high adventure available for the five national parks found in its territory.

60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Salt Lake City - pinpoints the most exceptional hikes in the area. It contains meticulous trail descriptions that range from comfortable strolls for families to difficult treks for those looking for a challenging workout. (2012)